Kryal Castle white knights hope to revive Ballarat tourism destination after lengthy sales campaign
Kryal Castle, the mediaeval-themed property set on the slopes of Mt Warrenheip about two hours' drive west of Melbourne, has been sold after several unsuccessful marketing campaigns.
Built in 1972 as a life's dream by the vendor, Keith Ryall, the tourist attraction and function centre is east of Ballarat, visible in the distance to commuters taking the Western Highway.
It’s been bought by Castle Tourism and Entertainment Pty Ltd, which is headed by Ballarat district publican Gary Browning. Its other directors include John Hatherley, a former Glencore operative, currently the chairman of Tadcaster Holdings in Singapore, the tourism and entertainment company that operates Molly Malone's, Singapore's first Irish pub. The other Castle Tourism directors are Melbourne regional tourism advisor Erin Joyce and the Singapore-based Mark Hinkley.
The consortium is said to be gaining inspiration from Britain's Camelot Theme Park and Alton Towers Resort, with plans for mediaeval-inspired rides, 3D theatres, jousting and other arena-style entertainment.
In mid-2010 Ryall and wife Joyce were approached with a flighty offer in the lead-up to the castle’s July 2010 auction from a Brunswick businessman who planned to convert the 22-bedroom, 30-bathroom fortress into an adults-only entertainment venue.
The Leigh Creek vendors own farmland abutting the fortress, which comes with bluestone castle, moat, drawbridge, tavern and maze.
It has operated as a tourist attraction since 1974.
The official price of the sale of the 10.9-hectare property has yet to be registered, but price expectations were upwards of $1.5 million.
Late last year interested parties were being advised that $1.7 million would be needed to outbid the highest offer.
The property no longer appears on the website of Gerard Cosgrave of Harcourts Ballarat following its sale.
A call to the castle had a recorded message saying it is due to re-open for general admissions in mid to late 2012 after a refurbishment of exhibits and displays.
It remains available for specific events, such as this weekend, when INXS, fronted by Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Ciaran Gribbin, will perform at the castle in their Red Hot Summer regional tour along with Vanessa Amorosi and James Reyne.
